Kit for vacuum cleaner attachments



Dec. 31, 1963 A. w. DEW 3, 7

KIT FOR VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENTS Filed-June 14, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I 5* S "|l G 51 g 4 4a 47 Dec. 31, 1963 Y A. w. DEW

KIT FOR VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENTS 2 Shee ts-Sheet 2 Filed June 14, 1961 INVENTOR.

A ua- United States Patent 3,115,971 KET F @R VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENTS Arthur W. Dew, Arlington, Va. (Warner Bldg, Washington 4, DJC.) Filed lane 14, 1961, Ser. No. 124,264 11 Claims. (Cl. 21113) This invention relates to a kit for vacuum cleaner attachments.

The chief purpose is to provide a kit, stand or holder of the type mentioned, which holds in convenient and readily accessible positions the various attachments usually supplied for, or accompanying a vacuum cleaner.

Another object is to provide a holder of the type aforesaid which definitely guides elongated tubular attachments, such as flexible tubes and wand sections, into stored positions without attention on the part of the user, and which firmly but yieldably holds such parts in emplaced or stored positions.

A further object is to provide a kit, as mentioned, which is strong, light, easily carried, and which keeps together in readily accessible positions, all the accessories, disposable bags, electric cord, if detachable, and instruction literature relative to the care, operation, repair and servicing of the cleaner and attachments.

A still further object is to provide a kit as described which is readily maintained in clean, sanitary condition and which greatly promotes the efficient time-saving use of any vacuum cleaner with which it is adapted for use.

Another object is to provide a holder for vacuum cleaner attachments which is readily adaptable, with only minor changes, to a Wide range of accessories and which assures the easy and unimpeded removal of each stored attachment when it is to be used.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, after a study of the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the complete kit or stand;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevation to a scale reduced from that of FIGURE 1 and showing in dotted lines a number of attachments in assembled positions;

FIGURE 4 is a detail cross section on line 4--4, FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a detail cross section on line 5-5, FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a detail cross section on line 66, FIG- URE 2; and

FIGURE 7 is a perspective of one of the two attachment-support hooks.

The kit, generally identified at 1, is made up of stiff rigid material such as one-quarter inch plywood, fiberboard, plastic, or light sheet metal, and consists essentially of a base 2 of rectangular form having side panels 3 and 4 secured to and upstanding from the respective ends of the base, and a back panel 5 secured to one longitudinal edge thereof. The meeting edges of the sides and back panels are united in any suitable way to form a durable rigid frame. Of course, the sides and back may be of one piece, as where the material used is sheet metal or plastic.

Back panel 5 is square or rectangular. Side panels 3 and 4 have their upper forward corners truncated as at 6, from a point just above shelf or ledge '7, to a point about mid way of their top edges before truncation. A hand hole 8, FIGURE 1, is provided for convenience in carrying the kit and attachments.

A subbase or partition 9 is mounted one to two inches 2 above and parallel with base 2 and is conveniently sized for a smooth fit between side panels 3 and 4, and back panel 5. The space between base 2 and partition 9 is preferably left open at the front so that dust and dirt accumulating therein may be removed merely by tipping the kit forwardly.

Referring to FIGURE 3, the stand shown is built to accommodate the usual flexible tube T, wand sections W, X, floor cleaner F, nozzle brush B, upholstery cleaner U, one or more floor brushes A each having a snap-0n connection with floor cleaner F, a crevice cleaner C, and electric cord E.

For storing flexible tube T, two apertures 10 and 11, preferably equal in size and rectangular in form, are located at the respective inside corners of shelf 7. Likewise a second two apertures 12 and 13 are formed in subbase 9, of the same shape and size as apertures 10 and 11. Apertures 1t) and 12 are vertically aligned and form a first pair. Apertures 11 and 13 are also vertically aligned and form a second pair.

Flexible strips 14, 15, 16 and 17, of metal or plastic extend between apertures 18 and 12 and define a guide channel therebetween. In the model shown these strips are of thin gage sheet aluminum. A convenient way to secure these in position is by bending their ends outwardly top and bottom and attaching the bent ends, at the top to the upper surface of shelf 7, and at the bottom to the lower surface of subbase 9. Attachment may be effected as shown, by screws 18, or by epoxy adhesives, or, in the case of all metal construction, by spot welding. These strips are flexible and resilient and, as shown, are bowed inwardly at their midportions, as indicated at 19, for example, FIGURE 5, so that they act conjointly to grip the flexible tube or wand sections, as the case may be, with alight but definite and yielding force.

Since the strips between apertures 11 and '13 are identical with those between apertures it) and 12 and are similarly assembled and fixed in position, it is sufficient to identify strips 20, 21, 22 and 23, FIGURE 1. By this construction flexible tube T is conveniently and rapidly stored in the form of an inverted U, merely by inserting the ends thereof through apertures 1t and 11 respectively, and allowing them to drop. The two sets of flexible strips guide these ends positively downwardly through apertures 12 and 13, so that their ends rest upon base 2. This makes is unnecessary to go to the trouble of guiding these ends manually through the lower apertures. Furthermore, in cases where the flexible tube has an enlarged union or coupling aifixed to one end, both pairs of apertures are made sufficiently large to accommodate the same with a free sliding fit; and subbase 9 is positioned close enough to base or bottom 2 so that there is no possibility of such enlarged union, or any protrusion therefrom, catching on the under side of the subbase 9 when the tube is withdrawn for use. In such cases the union or coupling slides easily down between the strips, after which these strips close in to lightly grip the tube itself. Much time, irritation and inconvenience are thus saved in storing and withdrawing the tube.

Vacuum cleaner attachment sets conventionally include a wand which, for ease in storing and versatility in use, is made in two detachably-connected sections. For storing these wand sections I provide apertures 24 and 25, FIGURE 2, located as shown in the respective front corners of shelf 7, and apertures 26 and 27, FIGURE 1, in subbase 9. Apertures 24 and 26 form a first vertically superposed pair between which four strips 23, 29, 30 and 31 extend and conjointly define a guide channel extending between the shelf and subbase. Likewise strips 32, 33, 34 and 35 extend between aperture 25 in shelf 7, and 27 in subbase 9 and define another guide channel between them. As in the case of strips 14, 15, etc., strips 28 to 35 are preferably of thin gage flexible sheet metal or plastic and are similarly fixed in position by having their ends turned outwardly and secured to the upper or lower surface of subbase 9 and the upper or lower surface of shelf 7. Preferably these strips also are bowed inwardly at their midportions. In all cases the strips of each set are equally circumferentially spaced about their respective pairs of apertures.

The advantages of the construction just described are the same as with strips 14 to 17 and 2%) to 23. The two sets of strips define respective, open, self-cleaning guide channels extending between the shelf and subbase so that in storing the wand sections it is necessary only to drop them through top apertures 24 and 25, with the assurance that each will be positively guided into final stored position with its lower end resting on base or floor 2 and yieldingly held by the inwardly-bowed strips.

A pair of posts 36 and 37 are secured in spaced up standing relation on shelf 7 at the rear central area thereof. See FIGURES 1 and 2. Post 36, for example, may be sized to fit within the socket of a circular brush attachment B. Post 37 is sized to fit the socket or hose-receiving opening of a straight, upholstery-cleaning attachment U. An aperture 38 in the forward central area of shelf '7 accommodates the tubular shank of a floor attachment F, FIGURE 3. Frequently this attachment has one or more sub-attachments such as A, to be selectively and alternatively clipped thereto, depending on the type of fioor covering being cleaned. Such sub-attachments are conveniently suspended from hooks 39 and 46, FIGURE 2, attached in horizontally-spaced relation to the outside upper area of one side wall 4. These hooks are preferably shaped as shown at FIGURE 7 for hook 46 with a short upstanding end 40a, so that one clip of the sub-attachment will slip over it when the attachment is held horizontally on its side, turned 90 While still horizontal, moved over the main or horizontal shank portion of the hook, and then dropped to the suspended or vertical. When in the latter position the sub-attachment cannot be removed except by again raising it to the horizontal position extending outwardly away from the side 4. As shown at FIGURE 2, the horizontal or body portions of the hooks extend outwardly in opposite directions.

In addition to forming an anchorage for the lower ends of the flexible strips such as 14 to 17, as previously described, subbase, 9 has a forwardly-inclined post 41 fixed to its rear-central area and sized to receive the hollow shank of a crevice-cleaning attachment C. The square aperture 42 in subbase 9, FIGURE 1, just forwardly of post 41 receives the nozzle of such attachment and makes it possible to emplace the same with either end downward.

At 43 is shown a bin having a bottom, four sides and an open top. The front side is hinged at 44 to, and flush with the front edge of subbase 9 at the left central portion thereof. This bin forms a very convenient receptacle for disposable bags, instruction literature, order blanks for parts, etc., so that all supplies and information needed for the servicing of the cleaner and attachments are kept together for ready use and reference. A hand hole 45 provides a convenient means in the front wall of the bin for swinging it forwardly about the axis of the hinges, to expose its open top. The top edges of the side walls of the bin are arcuate about the hinge axis and may engage the under surface of shelf 7 with slight friction. Also means are contemplated such as a light chain or cord connected between the shelf and bin to limit outward swinging of the latter. If desired, a block or other reinforcement 46 may be fixed between base 2 and subbase h, beneath bin 43.

In some makes of vacuum cleaners the electric cord is detachable from the instrument. In such cases a quickrelease hook for the cord is a great aid in efficient use of the cleaner. Such a hook is shown at 47, FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, as pivoted in and between brackets 48 attached to left side wall 3 and held either in open or closed position by a spring at? so connected that when the hook is pivoted downwardly to open position it crosses the pivot axis thereof and urges the hook into counterclockwise pivoting as viewed upon FIGURES 1 and 3. By such construction, the coiled cord E may be instantaneously stored merely by pivoting the hook to open position, slipping the cord convolutions thereover and snapping the hook closed.

I have thus provided a kit or holder of great convenience and versatility. Each attachment has a definite place therein and is easily and instantaneously emplaccd or stored, and as quickly removed for use. By carrying the kit from room to room with the cleaner itself, the vexation inevitable when attachments must be looked for in various scattered locations about the house, are eliminated. Furthermore, the probability of breakage or loss of attachments is reduced. A supply of disposable dust bags is always at hand and notice is available when a new supply should be ordered. Due to the flexible guide strips 14, etc. the elongated tubular attachments are positively guided into proper positions with their lower ends contacting base 2, and even if the ends are not duplicates, no attention need be paid to the one first inserted. The front opening between base 2 and subbase 9, makes it easy to keep the kit clean.

Having fully disclosed the invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A kit for vacuum cleaner attachments, comprising, a base, a back wall, and side walls, all said walls being fixed with and upstanding from the respective edges of said base to define an open-front casing, a subbase fixed with said walls in spaced relation above said base, a shelf fixed with said walls in spaced relation with and above said subbase, there being a pair of vertically-aligned apertures in said shelf and subbase, respectively, and means fixed with said shelf and subbase about said apertures and defining a continuous channel extending therebetween.

2. A kit as in claim 1, said means comprising a plurality of flexible strips, the ends of each said strip being secured to said shelf and subbase, respectively, contiguous the apertures therein, and spaced peripherally about said apertures.

3. A holder for vacuum cleaner attachments, comprising, a base, upper and lower shelves, and side wall means fixing said base and shelves in vertically-spaced relation, there being four apertures in each said shelf, one adjacent each corner thereof, each said aperture of said lower shelf forming a pair with a superposed aperture of said upper shelf, and means fixed at its ends with and about each said pair of apertures respectively, and defining a continuous channel therebetween, whereby an elongated tubular attachment inserted into and through an aperture in said upper shelf is positively guided downwardly into contact with said base.

4. In a holder for vacuum cleaner attachments, a rectangular base, first and second side walls fixed with and upstanding from the respective ends of said base, a back wall fixed with one side edge of said base and interconnecting the contiguous vertical edges of said side walls to define a generally parallelepipedal box-like structure open at the front and top, first and second horizontal-verticallyspaced shelves fixed with and between said walls in spaced relation above said base, there being four apertures in each said shelf, each adjacent a respective corner thereof, each aperture in one shelf being vertically aligned with a respective aperture of the other shelf to form a pair therewith, a plurality of sets of flexible strips, each strip of each set having its ends secured to said shelves, respectively, about the apertures of a corresponding pair, to define a guide channel extending continuously between said shelves.

5. A holder as in claim 4, the strips of each said set being of resilient material and bowed inwardly between its ends to form a constriction in the channel defined thereby.

6. A holder as in claim 4, and a pair of spaced, attachment-receiving posts secured to and upstanding from said first shelf, in laterally-spaced relation adjacent said back wall.

7. A kit as in claim 4, and a bin comprising a bottom and four interconnected side walls rising from and fixed with said bottom, said side walls extending between said shelves, and means hinging the lower edge of the front wall of said bin to the front edge of said second shelf, for outward swinging between said sets of strips.

8. A holder for vacuum cleaner attachments, comprising, a rectangular base and back and end walls fixed with and upstanding from one longer edge and the two end edges of said base, respectively, to define a box-like structure open at the front and top, a subbase fixed with said walls in spaced relation above said base, a shelf fixed with and fitting between said walls adjacent the tops thereof, parallel with said base and superposed over said subbase, there being four apertures through said shelf, one adjacent each corner thereof, there also being four apertures in said subbase, each below and forming a pair with a respective aperture in said shelf, and guide means extending continuously between each said pair of apertures to define a tubular passageway therebetween, positively guiding an attachment downwardly into contact with said base.

9. A holder as in claim 8, an open C-hook having one end pivoted to one said end wall on an axis fixed relatively thereto, for pivoting from an open position to a closed position, and spring means connected with said hook and effective to urge the same to closed position when said hook is closed with both ends adjacent said one wall, said spring means urging said hook to open position when opened with one end thereof remote from said one wall.

10. A holder as in claim 9, and a hook for attachments secured to the outside surface of the other end wall, said hook having a first shank portion extending normally outwardly from said wall, a second and horizontal portion extending parallel with said wall, and a third portion extending upwardly from said second portion, all said portions being integral and consecutive in the order mentioned.

11. In a kit for storing vacuum cleaner attachments, base means, a back wall and a pair of side walls, fixed with and upstanding from respective edges of said base means to form a compartment open at the front and top, a shelf fixed to and within said walls in spaced relation above said base means and having therein an opening for an attachment, and guide means comprising a plurality of flexible, generally-parallel strips secured in uniformlyspaced relation about said opening, each said strip being secured at its upper and lower ends to said shelf and said base means, respectively, said strips conjointly forming a continuous, unobstructed guide channel between said shelf and base means for an attachment inserted downwardly through said opening.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,187,566 Taylor June 20, 1916 1,296,158 Bonham Mar. 4, 1919 2,829,778 Carabet Apr. 8, 1958 2,862,223 Meyerhoefer Dec. 2, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 213,934 Germany Oct. 2, 1909 708,992 Germany June 26, 1941 

1. A KIT FOR VACUUM CLEANER ATTACHMENTS, COMPRISING, A BASE, A BACK WALL, AND SIDE WALLS, ALL SAID WALLS BEING FIXED WITH AND UPSTANDING FROM THE RESPECTIVE EDGES OF SAID BASE TO DEFINE AN OPEN-FRONT CASING, A SUBBASE FIXED WITH SAID WALLS IN SPACED RELATION ABOVE SAID BASE, A SHELF FIXED WITH SAID WALLS IN SPACED RELATION WITH AND ABOVE SAID SUBBASE, THERE BEING A PAIR OF VERTICALLY-ALIGNED APERTURES IN SAID SHELF AND SUBBASE, RESPECTIVELY, AND MEANS FIXED WITH SAID SHELF AND SUBBASE ABOUT SAID APERTURES AND DEFINING A CONTINUOUS CHANNEL EXTENDING THEREBETWEEN. 